“It’s almost like we’re starting the season over again with three (games) in four (days) and then four days without a game,’’ Detroit captain Henrik Zetterberg said. “But we’re looking forward to play again, and every time we play against Phoenix it’s good games.’’

This will be the Red Wings’ first game against a Western Conference opponent.

The Coyotes did not undergo many changes after missing the playoffs last season, finishing 10th in the conference, five points behind Detroit.

Their most notable addition was playmaking center Mike Ribeiro, a player the Red Wings were interested in had they not landed Stephen Weiss. Ribeiro, who averaged slightly more than a point a game with Washington (49 points in 48 games) does not have a point in three games with Phoenix.

Coyotes longtime captain Shane Doan also is off to a slow start with no points.

Goaltender Mike Smith has a 3.40 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.

Jimmy Howard will make his fourth consecutive start for the Red Wings, looking to rebound from Saturday’s 4-1 loss at Boston.

“Every time we play Phoenix it’s a very hard-fought game,’’ Howard said. “They’re so well-coached, they play their systems so well. If you’re going to beat them you have to beat them with all aspects of your game.’’

That includes special teams, where neither team has been sharp. The Red Wings are 0-for-8 on the power play and, after going 7-for-7 on the penalty kill in their opener, have allowed three power-play goals in the past two games.

“It’s still early in the season, so you want to get the core things looked after,’’ Zetterberg said. “We want to have good structure, we want to do the right things and obviously the special teams as always have to be better,’’ Zetterberg said. “I think the first two games the PP was OK. We didn’t score any, but we created lots of chances. It was a little dip in Boston. We weren’t very good at all and we want to be better (Thursday).”

The Coyotes are 9-for-14 on the penalty kill.

“Obviously, they have good goaltending and they play a good system,’’ Zetterberg said. “You really can’t give them too much. They’re good when they get the odd-man rushes and you have to take care of the puck and play our system well and we will do fine.”